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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI) Rental Villas

There are many ways to travel to St. Thomas. A great way to really see the island is to fly there and rent one of the St. Thomas Villas. Vacationing in a villa can be a really great experience.

Vacation villas can really be inexpensive for a group of couples. Villas range from $3000-$10000 per week but if you have a group of 8-10 it can be a very reasonable price for a top shelf luxury vacation. Most St Thomas condos have private pools, hot tubs and beautiful furnishings. They also have big gourmet kitchens, computers, wifi, beaches and more.

Villa rental can also be fantastic for families. They give you the room you need as well as the privacy. That's really the big advantage to consider, the privacy. You have your own home for 7 nights. No sharing anything with anyone. That's a great added bonus while on vacation.

You can also go food shopping and cook your own meals. This is a great way to save some money while on vacation. Going to dinner 6 nights in a week can be very expensive. So villa rental gives you the best of both worlds. Cook in when you want and go out to dinner a few nights. This works especially well for breakfast and lunch. Nothing beats a cheeseburger by your own private pool.

A second way to travel to the US Virgin Islands is to fly and stay at a hotel. This is a great option for a couple as the room rates are reasonable and villa rental can be expensive for only a couple. There is a wide variety of hotels in St Thomas, ranging from the very expensive to the very inexpensive. You may want to consider a property on a beach or on a hilltop depending on the style of vacation you'd like to take.

Hotels are nice if you like to meet and be surrounded by other people. It's very nice to make new friends while on vacation. Sometimes those new friendships can last a lifetime. The flip side to that is you may have to put up with a lot of screaming kids while on your relaxing vacation. Are you okay with little Johnny from Minnesota yelling that his sister took is toy?

Most vacation on cruise ships and stop in downtown. It's interesting to see the tourists pour off the cruise ships and rush to the t-shirt stands. They seem to love to buy a lot of "stuff".

St Thomas receives 2-7 cruise ships per day. So at any time there could be 7000-30000 people being offloaded into the total population of 50000. That's a lot to consider when traveling to St Thomas.

There is a lot of traffic in St Thomas. Locals have a hard time driving through downtown because of all the cruise ship passengers. Believe it or not it could potentially take you an hour from going back and forth across the island. That's a long drive for an island 4 miles wide by 10 miles long.

A cruise vacation to St. Thomas is a great way to go if you only want to see a few things in St Thomas but you'll certainly miss a lot of other great activities and culture.

Some of the sights to see in St Thomas is Magens Bay. This beach is consistently listed as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It's a mile long white sandy beach with lots of great trees for shade. It has one restaurant and bar and a lot of lifeguards. The water is always calm and flat which make it great for swimming. Locals go there every Sunday to celebrate with their friends and family. It is a great beach to visit.

Shopping is terrific on the island. You can get great deals on jewelry and clothing. Plus you won't have to pay any tax. That's great if you're buying an expensive piece of jewelry for sure. The booze on the island is very inexpensive as well. So stock up on your rum.

My favorite way to travel is to research St Thomas Villas and book one that meets my needs. Personally I think that having your own private place is the way to go. You get all the benefits of luxury without having to share it with hundreds of strangers. It's always a relaxing, quiet vacation that you control. Look around for the right house for your needs via the internet. There you can find all the options you want and budgets that you can afford.

About the Author

Villa Nicoletta is luxury St Thomas Villas.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Types and Features of the Yacht Charter Boat

When looking for a different spin on the family reunion or the perfect way to entertain co-workers on a business outing, yacht charters are a great way to plan a unique getaway. While the act of renting a yacht is often reserved for personal rendezvous' and family adventures, there are plenty of advantages to planning a corporate event through this relaxing method, such as creating strong ties with clients or strengthening employer-employee relationships.

Caribbean Yacht chartering involves the renting or chartering of a motor yacht or sailboat with the purpose of traveling about coastal or other island locations. Over the years, the act has become an increasingly popular method of seeing the world while enjoying a nice journey spread across calming water.

Two Different Kinds of Charter

When chartering a yacht, you should know there are two main types to consider - bareboat and crewed. With a bareboat charter, an individual or group rents a boat and then guides the trip on his or her own accord. For the less experienced, numerous bareboat companies provide the teaching of basic seaman skills that aids interested parties.

A crewed charter involves a yacht that already comes with a crew. Depending on your needs, this type of charter may provide the assistance of a duo (such as a husband-wife team) that serves as captain or may utilize the help of a several different crew members, such as a chef, engineer, deckhands, and possibly even a scuba dive expert.

Caribbean Yacht Charter Factors

After you have decided the purpose of your yacht charter, many different factors will affect the way you approach planning a trip. For some, there are limitations to how much money will be spent or the size of yacht needed. Smaller excursions work well with a boat measuring 35 to 40 feet, while larger parties need boats around 300 feet. The age and pedigree of a boat is important as well. Usually, a younger boat provides a stronger sense of safety.

Also, if you haven't decided yet, the most important part of planning a yacht charter is where you will go. The destination will also play a significant role as to what kinds of yacht charters will be available to accommodate your trip goals. Some people will spend up to $25,000 per person for a week on a luxury yacht charter, while others keep their budget below $1000.

How to Secure a Caribbean Yacht Charter

Most people looking to plan a vacation or outing by chartering a yacht usually have a specific destination already planted in their head. Some individuals may also base their trip on price or availability of charters, meaning they are limited to some of the locations they can visit. The world is filled with plenty of international opportunities to explore, including the heat of Mexico to the biting temperatures of Antarctica.

European travel are also quite popular, as Belgium, Poland, Finland, and France all offer yacht charter services. Islands, such as Barbados and Fiji welcome travelers with open arms, while old standbys, such as Canada provide intriguing voyages as well.. Additional destinations to consider include Madagascar, Argentina, Australia, Slovenia, and the Dominican Republic.

Finding suitable yacht charter companies are quite easy. While many people rely on travel agents to point them in the right direction, there are tons of options decorating the Internet with ample details on some of the most popular yacht charters.

Let's say you are interested in yacht charters offered in the Guadaloupe area. Completing a specific search for the destination or searching a database situated on a yacht charter-related website should reveal that there are several different companies scattered about the archipelago. Currently, the most yacht charters are offered in St. Martin with more than ten choices.

For instance, the Northern Child Swan Yacht Charter promotes corporate events, cruising and racing charters throughout the United Kingdom during the summer season and about the Caribbean when the winter months arrive. This particular selection features the assistance of two professional crew members, a skipper and a captain. Luxury boats are also popular, as they are known to accommodate wedding receptions or take honeymooning couples off into the sunset. In St. Martin, Sunreef Yachts provides these kind of custom-made beauties.

To experience the delight of chartering a yacht, planning ahead of time also helps to secure the best deals and make sure you have ample time to make proper travel arrangements if enjoying an international adventure. It is also wise to keep your eye out for changing weather reports - you want to make sure you don't charter a yacht during a time where possible storms, hurricanes, and such will strike.

About the Author

Read about the latest resources for yacht charters at http://www.yachtcharter101.com

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Monday, March 19, 2007

Cat Island Bahamas Vacation

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort’s Bahamian cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.

Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

About the Author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.bahamas-holiday-guide.com

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Thursday, January 4, 2007

All Inclusive Caribbean Resort - The Luxurious Holiday Package

As a vacationer, you are always looking for the best deal out there. More importantly, to go somewhere that youve never been before. Why not do both and visit the Carribean? An all inclusive Caribbean resort holiday package generally includes airfare and accommodation, all meals and drinks, government taxes and entertainment. There are a wide range of all inclusive Caribbean resorts and you will need to choose what suits you best. Be sure to check with your local travel broker to find the best deal.

Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the area comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cayes. The West Indies, in contrast to the East Indies in southeast Asia, consist of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the east, and the Bahamas which are northeast of the sea. Bermuda lies much further to the north in the Atlantic Ocean and is sometimes included in the West Indies. Geopolitically, the West Indies are organized into 28 territories including sovereign states, overseas departments, and dependencies. At one time, there was a short-lived country called the Federation of the West Indies composed of ten English-speaking Caribbean territories.

1. One Price For Everything You Need

The idea behind paying one price is self explanatory - no hidden fees. This means the all inclusive Caribbean resorts are not only cheap, but are also convenient. With the all inclusive Caribbean resort, you pay one price for your stay, travel and entertainment. The main advantage of this is that you can plan in advance how much you want to and are able to spend. Everything is taken care of with your all inclusive Caribbean resort deal, that means that you only focus on having fun, enjoying your holiday and relaxing.

Today, hundreds of hotels and resorts in the Caribbean offer attractive all inclusive holiday packages. Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas are some of the selected resorts that offer a wide assortment of restaurants and amenities for tourism. These are ideal luxury resorts and are well suited for all inclusive Caribbean resorts. With the all inclusive Caribbean resort package, regardless of your specific situation, all your needs are provided for. You can have a lot of fun, loosen up and unwind at the all inclusive Caribbean resorts. The best thing about the all inclusive Caribbean resort holiday deal is that you can have the best luxurious holiday, all at one price that you are happy with.

2. Planning Is Important

You will however need to do some planning before you head off and take the all inclusive Caribbean resort holiday deal. Although all inclusive Caribbean resorts offer holiday packages for the price of one, individual resorts vary in what they actually include in the holiday packages. While planning for your all inclusive Caribbean resort, the key question is; what are my familys needs? Once you establish the needs of the holiday makers planning on going to the all inclusive Caribbean resort, then you can start selecting the most suitable holiday package.

3. Airfare And Meals

While some all inclusive Caribbean resorts include accommodation, airfare and meals; some comprise of transfers, meals, and selected activities. The best thing to do is to select the resort with a holiday package that suits you and your family or friends needs; and also where your holiday dollar will go a long way and ensure that you have a lot of fun.

4. Great Value

It really is the best value to take advantage of an all-inclusive package rather than a bare bones vacation. The all inclusive Caribbean resorts therefore can provide you with great value and luxurious holiday. If youve ever wondered why some vacation packages are so cheap, it's probably because they don't give you anything except the ride there and back.

About the Author:

For more great travel related articles and resources check out http://resortseeker.info

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Saturday, June 10, 2006

Punta Cana Weather Information

One of the most important factors to take into account when going to vacation to someplace is the weather. Punta Cana weather is one of the most attractive features of this vacation spot. The temperature and maritime conditions on Punta Cana are perfect to practice water sports and to enjoy comfortable time there. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic offers tropical weather during the whole year. Like in most tropical areas the weather seasons are divided between summer and winter. The term winter here is a bit loose since there are no extreme cold conditions like in some other places around the world.

The weather in Punta Cana during the seasons doesn't vary drastically. The summer time ranges from May to October, and it gets a temperature of approximately 31°C and 22°C during day and night respectively. During summer the humidity can be quite high, raising the feeling of the temperature to a couple of more degrees. The mountains in Dominican Republic are a way cooler environment than the coast where the max temperature can go up to 16°C and to 40°C in the deserted areas in the southwest. The rain in Punta Cana take place mostly in the summer time but even then the showers are quite short and last a couple of minutes which is another advantage for spending a vacation there. Some thunderstorms can happen during this time of the year producing large amounts of rain, but these are very seldom and produced by severe weather systems.

The Punta Cana weather provides a winter where the temperature range is from 29°C to 20°C. The humidity during this time of the year that goes from November to April is very low. That means very low chance of rain and very mild temperatures. The reigning blue skies and shining sun make this one the favorite times of the year for vacationing in Punta Cana. Since Punta Cana is located in the eastern coast the weather, there is mostly hot even in the colder months but the typical difference of two or three degrees from summer is quite worth it.

The hurricanes that can develop in the Caribbean are a major point of consideration when thinking of vacationing here. These powerful storms appear during the hurricane season that goes from June to November but typically the months of greater risk for the area of Punta Cana are August, September and October. The hurricanes that affect the area usually have a hit rate lower than one per year, so as long you keep an eye on the weather reports you can vacation there even during the summer. Weather in Punta Cana can be tricky but one of the best tips for going there is to use winter time to avoid any hurricane risk and to have a very comfortable temperature.

About the Author

The author is a contributor to the website puntacana-travelguide.com

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Saturday, September 10, 2005

10 Nights Southern Caribbean from NYC only $599

Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Spirit - 10 Night Exotic Southern Caribbean (New York roundtrip) from $599

Cruise Itinerary:

Day Ports of Call Arrival Departure
1 New York, New York --- 4:00 p.m.
2 At Sea --- ---
3 At Sea --- ---
4 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
5 St. John's, Antigua 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
6 Bridgetown, Barbados 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
7 Philipsburg, St. Maarten 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
8 Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. 7:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
9 At Sea --- ---
10 At Sea --- ---
11 New York, New York 8:00 a.m. ---

Cruise Description:

Savor the Caribbean's tropical delights on a 10-night cruise from New York aboard Norwegian Spirit. Browse through St. Thomas's duty-free shops or tour Coral World's underwater observatory. Antigua's spectacular coastline, peppered with beaches, offers endless fun in the sun. Sample decadent Dutch chocolates or shop at high-fashion French boutiques on St. Maarten. Then swim with a dolphin or go sailing in the calm waters of friendly Tortola. Onboard, try your luck at the Maharajah's Casino.

Your Package Includes:
Your package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and more. It does not include shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages. Government fees and taxes are not included and can vary from $5 to $110 per person.

Click Here to Book

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Friday, September 9, 2005

3 Night Bahama Cruise from Miami only $229

Carnival Cruise Lines - Fascination - 3 Night Bahamas (Miami roundtrip) from $229

Cruise Description:
Depart from Miami on this magical 3-day Bahamas cruise. Experience the charm and mystery of this beautiful area as you stroll pristine beaches and swim the crystal-clear waters of Nassau. Snorkel or dive along the incredible coral reefs and browse the colorful Straw Market. Or step up the pace a bit with a visit to popular Atlantis Resort, where you'll find a casino and lots of attractions. Then, enjoy a day and night of cruising aboard the Fun Ship Fascination as it makes its way back to Miami.
Your Package Includes:
Your package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and more. It does not include shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages. Government fees and taxes are not included and can vary from $5 to $110 per person.

Click Here to Book

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